Set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters and powered by the steady northeast trade winds, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta delivers four days of world-class racing in idyllic conditions. An experienced and friendly race team ensures a seamless experience for participants, with sailors from more than 35 countries coming to race—ranging from Olympic medalists and World Champions sailing Maxis and Performance Multihulls to holiday-makers on chartered bareboats and live-aboard families cruising the Caribbean.
Each day features a single, well-planned race, blending windward-leeward and coastal courses designed to challenge crews of all levels. The regatta attracts a highly competitive fleet, particularly among 40ft and 50ft cruiser-racers, where skill and strategy play a key role in securing top results.
With Heineken as a long-standing sponsor, the regatta’s social scene is just as thrilling as the racing. The event has a well-earned earned a reputation for hosting top-tier artists like the Black Eyed Peas, UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, The Commodores, and Red Foo and the Party Rock Crew.
Beyond the competition and concerts, the regatta is also known for its Bridge shows—a fun and lively tradition where crews come together to showcase themed costumes, music, and creative performances as they pass through the Simpson Bay Bridge. Whether donning coordinated outfits, embracing an outrageous theme, or simply making a memorable entrance, it’s a fantastic opportunity for teams to bond, have fun, and embrace the spirit of the event. Making an effort as a crew not only adds to the camaraderie but also creates unforgettable moments both on and off the water.
Closest airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Transportation from the airport is available via taxis or local buses. Flights before and after the race as well as transport to and from the airport are not included in the price and is the responsibility of the passenger.
Arrival in St Maarten and welcome on board. The official start time will be around 10:00 and will be communicated via the crew WhatsApp group. Meet your skipper and crew, followed by a safety brief and the regatta programme. The day will include getting to know your crew, cleaning and organising the boat, and making final preparations for the regatta.
Please consider a local accommodation for this week, as this can be quite a busy regatta and accommodation onboard is limited.
After breakfast you will continue to make last enhancements to the boat and commence with the second training day.
08:30-18:00 – Registration at Race Village
19:00-22:00 – St. Martin Tourism Welcome Party – Marigot
09:55 – First Race Warning, Simpson Bay
8:30 – Outbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 & 17:00 – Inbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 – Port de Plaisance Regatta Village opens
18:00 – Daily Prizegiving
19:00 – Live Entertainment featuring Livin High Band, Twenty Montana, Eduardo & more latin beats!
20:00 – Green Zone Party at Nowhere Zone
09:55 – First Race Warning, Simpson Bay
8:30 – Outbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 & 17:00 – Inbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 – Port de Plaisance Regatta Village opens
18:00 – Daily Prizegiving
19:00 – Live Entertainment featuring Meltin Pot, Royalty & KRG Band, Tamillia, and Trilla-G for a night of Caribbean vibes and tempo!
20:00 – Green Zone Party, Bikini Beach at Orient Bay
09:55 – First Race Warning, Simpson Bay
8:30 – Outbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 & 17:00 – Inbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 – Port de Plaisance Regatta Village opens
18:00 – Daily Prizegiving
19:00 – Live Entertainment featuring GTO Band, Roxsy & KRG Band, King James, and Alison Hinds for a soca mix!
15:00 – Green Zone Party at Lotus Nightclub
09:55 – First Race Warning, Simpson Bay
8:30 – Outbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 & 17:00 – Inbound Bridge Show at St Maarten Yacht Club
15:00 – Port de Plaisance Regatta Village opens
18:00 – Daily Prizegiving
20:30 – Live Entertainment featuring Orange Grove and THE WAILERS for an unforgettable night of reggae!
15:00 – Green Zone Party, Rainforest Adventures at Sentry Hill
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
8:30 Outbound traffic
9:30 Inbound traffic
10.30 Outbound traffic
11.30 Inbound traffic
14:00 Inbound traffic
16:00 Outbound traffic
17:00 Inbound traffic
One of the highlights of the Heineken Regatta is the daily bridge show, and we love to make an entrance. Start thinking ahead about fun ideas or costumes to bring the energy. We’ll use the crew WhatsApp group to coordinate our theme and plans each day, so get ready to strut your stuff and turn heads as we head out to race!
My favourite part was when the skipper gave us plenty of helm time.
My favourite part was overall it was a very exiting experience with a really great team the vibe on board was perfect and we never got tired of winning!!
My favourite part was learning to work as a team, and getting advice from people that knew more than I did…and Alex. She made everything fun!
Everything about this trip is my absolute favourite.
